OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN POSTSTREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION

Objective: We describe the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive sympto ms following a peritoneal infection with a-haemolytic streptococci. Cl inical picture: A 35-year-old woman with no past history or family his tory of obsessions or compulsions developed these symptoms 2 weeks aft er a peritoneal infection. Treatment: The patient received 80 mg fluox etine daily. Outcome: She responded to treatment with a progressive re duction in symptoms. Conclusions: It is suggested that these obsession s and compulsions may be related to an autoimmune response to the stre ptococcal infection.